Transportation Options in Gainesville
Getting around Gainesville as a student or young professional can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand your options, you'll find the perfect combination that fits your lifestyle and budget. Whether you're commuting to UF campus, Santa Fe College, or working at UF Health, there are multiple methods of travel to explore. The best strategy? Most residents combine two or more transportation options depending on their schedule, weather, and destination.
Walking
For people who live really close to (or on) UF campus, walking is a great option. While you can survive without a car in Gainesville, you'll probably want to combine walking with one of the options below.
For nighttime walking on campus, take advantage of SNAP (Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol). Call 392-7627 (392-SNAP) or use the UF SNAP app to get a ride or a walking escort anywhere on campus from 8:30 PM to 3:00 AM year-round during Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. This free service is exclusively for currently enrolled UF students and staff.
Biking
Biking is one of the most efficient and convenient ways to get around Gainesville. Although there are a handful of cons—getting caught in the rain, carrying a heavy backpack, dodging cars and pedestrians—biking to and from (and around) campus lets you avoid traffic delays and the joys of finding a parking spot.
It doesn't take long to discover the best roads for bike lanes, and without major hills, you'll soon be cruising. If you register your bike with the UF Police Department, get a good lock, and use lights at night, you'll find that biking is one of the best (and cheapest) ways to travel in Gainesville. Check surplus.ufl.edu for abandoned bikes if you need an affordable option. Biking is a great option for students living in apartments in South Gainesville and Sorority Row.
E-Scooter and E-Bike Rentals
Need a quick ride without the commitment of owning a vehicle? The City of Gainesville's Micromobility Program offers electric scooters for rent through three vendors: Bird, Spin, and Veo. E-scooters are available each day from 6 AM to midnight for short-distance trips with low cost-per-minute rental fees. Download the app, create an account, and unlock scooters throughout the city and on campus. These are perfect for those in-between distances—too far to walk comfortably, but too short to justify driving.
Scooters and Motorcycles
If you want something you own rather than rent, personal scooters and motorcycles have jumped in popularity on campus recently. These are like a cross between the perks of a bike and the perks of a car: They can be easier and closer to park, yet they move faster (and with less effort) than a bike.
Like a car, they do require a campus decal, albeit cheaper. However, like a bike, a scooter won't accommodate a load of groceries or a rainy day, and you'll want to wear a helmet and stay out of high-speed lanes. They can be more economical. Start by checking out apartments within scooter distance to UF campus. You can also check with local shops like Solano Cycle if you have more questions about purchasing a scooter.
RTS Bus
Riding the bus is a rite of passage for most students. The Regional Transit System (RTS) offers free service for UF students with a valid Gator 1 Card. Riding a bike to and from a bus stop is super convenient, as your bike can ride on the bus with you.
If you live in apartments near SW 20th Ave. or apartments near Archer Road, the bus may be your best option for getting to campus. Routes run throughout the city and connect major residential areas to campus. Swamp Rentals has a search feature dedicated to finding apartments that align with your most-used RTS routes, making it easy to choose a location that fits your commute needs.
Apartment Shuttles
Some apartment complexes offer their own shuttle services directly to campus, which can be a game-changer for your daily commute. For example, Lexington Crossing provides shuttles taking residents straight from home to campus, eliminating the hassle of parking or coordinating with bus schedules. When apartment hunting, ask about shuttle services—it’s a perk that can save you significant time and money.
Car
Getting around by car is probably the most common option, and the benefits of having your own car are obvious—groceries, road trips, late-night runs, and independence. However, driving to school is rarely convenient. You'll likely park in the commuter lot and catch a bus or make the hike to class. And naturally, they sell more parking decals than spots, so peak hours can erase the time you thought you'd save.
Rideshare: Lyft Safe Rides
UF partners with Lyft to offer "UF Safe Rides by Lyft," which gives currently enrolled UF students a 40% discount on Lyft Standard rides Monday through Sunday between 11 PM and 3 AM when classes are in session. A ride must begin and end within the designated service area to qualify for the discount. This is perfect for late-night library sessions, nights out, or anytime you need a safe ride home after dark. Check the UF Transportation and Parking Services website for the service area map and instructions on how to activate your student discount.
The Bottom Line
Most Gainesville residents use a combination of these transportation methods. You might bike to campus most days, take the bus when it’s raining, use Lyft Safe Rides for late nights out, and keep a car for weekend adventures. Experiment with different options during your first few weeks to find what works best for your schedule and budget.
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